Sunderland celebrates foster carers

Some of the city's carers have been recognised for their long service and commitment at a special awards breakfast. Milestones celebrated ranged from five years to 45 years of fostering, demonstrating the lasting impact carers have made over generations.

Among those recognised was Pauline Metcalfe - who having first read about fostering in her local paper - has spent 45 years providing stable, loving homes to children and young people in Sunderland. During the awards breakfast, guests heard how Pauline has supported children through adoption journeys, reunification with their birth families, and the transition to adulthood. 

Pauline was also recognised for her commitment, caring nature, empathy, and for creating a space where young people feel able to speak openly.

Speaking about reaching the milestone, Pauline said: "I'm honestly quite shocked to be recognised for 45 years of fostering - it's never been about recognition for me, I've just always got on with what I do. For me, it's about the children. They go through enough already, so anything you can do to give them stability and care really matters.

"Over the years it's been challenging at times, but also incredibly rewarding. Seeing young people grow up, go on to university, get married and start families of their own - that's what stays with you. I'd absolutely encourage anyone thinking about fostering to give it a go. It really is life changing."

Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Social Mobility, Cllr Carol Giles, said: "We are delighted to celebrate the incredible contribution our foster carers make every single day - from doing the school run, to making lunches, cheering pitch side to exams and driving lessons they are there for the big and small and making life long positive differences."

Lisa Strother, Fostering Manager at Together for Children, said: "Here in Sunderland we are proud to have carers who go above and beyond to provide safe, nurturing homes for children and young people. Events like our awards breakfast are a reflection of the diverse range of people who choose to become foster carers, and these awards allow us to say a heartfelt thank you, whether someone has been fostering for five years or an incredible 45 years. 

"We would also like to thank the newly approved carers who have recently joined the service and wish them all the best as foster carers."

Sunderland's fostering service, delivered by Together for Children, is the lead local authority for Foster with the North East (FWNE), a regional collaboration of local authorities working together to raise awareness of fostering and support the recruitment process, with Sunderland acting as the lead authority for the partnership.

The TfC fostering service, which works alongside 180 families in Sunderland who care for 274 children, was rated Outstanding by Ofsted last year.

Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering in Sunderland can visit: Foster with North East - Foster with North East